DAILY GRACE
August 4, 2020, Tuesday of the 18th Week of Ordinary Time
Scripture: Matthew 14:22-36
Immediately he made the disciples get into the boat and go on ahead to the other side, while he dismissed the crowds. And after he had dismissed the crowds, he went up the mountain by himself to pray. When evening came, he was there alone, but by this time the boat, battered by the waves, was far from the land, for the wind was against them. And early in the morning he came walking towards them on the lake. But when the disciples saw him walking on the lake, they were terrified, saying, ‘It is a ghost!’ And they cried out in fear. But immediately Jesus spoke to them and said, ‘Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.’
Peter answered him, ‘Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.’ He said, ‘Come.’ So Peter got out of the boat, started walking on the water, and came towards Jesus. But when he noticed the strong wind, he became frightened, and beginning to sink, he cried out, ‘Lord, save me!’ Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him, saying to him, ‘You of little faith, why did you doubt?’ When they got into the boat, the wind ceased. And those in the boat worshipped him, saying, ‘Truly you are the Son of God.’
When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret. After the people of that place recognized him, they sent word throughout the region and brought all who were sick to him, and begged him that they might touch even the fringe of his cloak; and all who touched it were healed.
The Word of the Lord. Thanks be to God.
Meditation
“Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him.”
This moment in the life of Jesus calls to mind a painting by Sieger Koder called Stronghold. In the background, the disciples are in their little fishing boat, with the vast, tempestuous sea surrounding them. Very prominently in the foreground, Peter’s hands are visible, reaching up from the stormy waters, and firmly clasped in the hands of Jesus.
It is a telling moment. We know from the Gospel that is only when Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and sees how strong the wind was that he begins to sink. Perhaps you, too, can relate to Peter and have experienced dark moments when sinking felt inevitable. Yet, when I look over the darkest moments in my own life, it becomes clear that when I fix my gaze on Christ, I have a very different perspective than when I focus on the people, events, or circumstances around me. Fear and panic only set in if I lose my focus on that fixed point of reference — the face of Christ. If I gaze at him, I can maintain a sense of serenity and peace, even in the midst of the storm.
Peace is a gift of the Holy Spirit —- and no person or event can take it away from us. Growing in this awareness leaves us with a choice and a growing freedom. Nonetheless, when it is dark, it is perhaps even more important to remember another lesson from the Gospels: “Jesus immediately reached out his hand and caught him.” Even though Peter takes his eyes off Jesus, Jesus never takes his eyes off Peter. He is with him, and for him, the whole time. Appearances can be deceiving. Like Peter, we, too, are always held safe in the hands of a loving God.
Prayer
Lord, when I am going through the turbulence of emotionally intense times, help me to remember your lesson for Peter on the stormy seas. You are always with me. During this time of COVID-19 crisis, you are with me —- and if I can only keep my eyes on you, it is possible for me to walk on water. The wind and the waves are the illusion of a life out of control, while your presence is the reality that grounds me, giving me courage and hope. In moments when the waves look too high and the wind feels too strong, help me to recall your faithful grasp —- your faithful love —- and to place my trust firmly in you.
Contemplation
I am safe in your hands.